Starry Sky Blanket

So, sucktastic story.  I spent freakin' 60 hours making this gorgeous blanket for my sister for Christmas.  Today she came home with me unexpectedly and I realized I had left it on the couch.  "Hold on, Becki," I cried, "I have to hide your Christmas present!"  So I put it in the closet by my room.

Not ten minutes later, she goes for my bedroom doorknob, but I thought she was going for the closet.  "No!" I yelled, "Becki, you can't open that closet!  Your blanket is in there!"

Yeah.  Biggest facepalm of my life.

So I let her see it early, which is why this blog post is up now instead of Dec. 26th, as originally planned.  No use hiding it from her anymore.

I really wanted to give my sister something unique and fun, not something that looked like a 'granny' afghan.  I loved doing this pattern.  Every stitch was different, but it was repetitive enough that you didn't have to keep looking at the book.  Each shape took less than fifteen minutes, so it was easy to pop one or two out in a short amount of time.  It was such an entertaining project, and I would do this pattern again in a heartbeat!

I decided to make 80 squares instead of 46, like the pattern suggested.  The pattern is really for a child-sized blanket and my sister is definitely fully grown, so obviously adjustments had to be made.  I was concerned an 8 square by 10 square blanket wouldn't be big enough, and if the blanket was for me, I would have made it 8 by 11, maybe, but my sister is shorter and I think this size is perfect.

The stars themselves were actually very simple to learn and very quick to pump out.  I used a magic ring for the center instead of the "chain a ring" technique the pattern instructed because ever since learning how to do a magic ring for my flowery fingerless gloves, I've been in love with it.  The only problem I ran into for these stars was where to fasten the last point.  I jumped back and forth between a few different ways, but I never found one that I was completely happy with because the final joining slip stitch was always apparent.  Next time I use this pattern, I'll have to remember to join the last point as close to the first point as possible, because it causes a gap in the surrounding circle if you don't.

This one I connected to the last remaining dc, and while the joining slst isn't as apparent, it created a gap in the circle.

This one I used a slst directly into the dc circle, creating a large and apparent joining stitch, but a better overall result.

I'm not 100% happy with either way, but the second way is definitely the lesser of two evils.  Weaving in the ends of the worse stars made the gaps in the circles far less defined, so it all worked out in the end.

I also differed from the pattern on the blue circle step.  The pattern tells you to work with the unused loops of the ch st on the star's points, which gets you a result like this:

Looking at the left edge of the point here.

I decided to use the back of the ch st instead, leaving the unused loop to better outline the shape of the star, like this:

I think it makes the points look more symmetrical, and it also makes the outline more sharp.  You don't get as much of the yellow poking out to make a jagged edge.

To keep the eighty squares in order, I put groups of ten in ziplock baggies.  A stroke of brilliance, if I do say so myself.  It made it so convenient because I didn't have to keep counting to make sure I had them all.  Also, it was easy to take them when I was flying.  I just grabbed my ball of yarn and a baggie or two and I had everything I needed for my trip!

All stars (and one full square) done!

Hard to tell in this pic, but there are two different shades of blue.

Good thing the white is the last step before constructing the blanket, because I don't think I could fit another stitch into those bags!

The denim border of each square and attaching them together was definitely the most challenging part of the whole project.  I'm such a by-the-book type person that I was making it hard on myself, trying to decide what the pattern wanted me to do.  Once I gave myself permission to improvise a little, it went a lot more smoothly.

If the denim border was the most challenging part, what came next was the most tedious.  Each square had at least 8 ends to weave in.  I hate weaving in ends.  It took forever.

Front

Back

Yeah.  Times 80.  It was super annoying.  I was tempted to just cut them all, but that is, like, crocheting blasphemy.  And it would look terrible.

As a final touch, I embroidered eyes onto the bottom right corner star, to make it look like a Mario star.  I totally didn't know what to do with the back, so it looks terrible.  It's only one little stitch, so Becki could have easily cut it off if she wanted, but I know my sister, and I knew she'd find it as amusing as I did.  I was correct.  The eyes stay.

Some pics of the finished project:

Crocheting the squares together created a really cool effect: raised borders that gave the blanket a texture.

Mario!

The pattern is called All-Star Blanket and can be found in Crocheted Gifts: Irresistible Projects to Make and Give.

I used a size I crochet hook for most of the parts, except the outside white-and-blue square.  The pattern suggests using loose tension for that part, but many people on Ravelry suggested using a bigger hook so the tension would be consistent.  I took their advice and used a size K for that.  I started with a J, but it was still making the squares curl too much, so the K was perfect.  The I used Red Heart Soft for some of the yarn, colors White, Navy, and Mid-Blue.  The star and white-and-blue outline were both Vanna's Choice, colors Mustard and Denim Mist.  The finished blanket measures about 5' 1" by 3' 9".
How much time I spent:
1 star= 7 1/2 minutes x 80= 600 minutes= 10 hours
1 circle= 8 minutes x 80= 640 minutes= 10 hours, 40 minutes
1 white square= 9 minutes x 80= 720 minutes= 12 hours
Attaching 1 square with denim yarn= 14 minutes x 80= 1120 minutes= 18 hours, 40 minutes
Weaving in ends= 9 minutes x 80= 720 minutes= 12 hours
TOTAL TIME: approx. 63 hours, 20 minutes
Started: Oct. 14, 2012
Finished: Dec. 8, 2012

Merry Christmas to you all!

Grandmothers' Christmas Blankets

So these are two afghans that I originally started way back in the spring.  I stopped working on them a week or two later because they were both such big projects, they were overwhelming.  I had never completed more than several rows on a blanket before these, and I had come to terms with the idea that afghans were too big a commitment for me.

Well, I made the mistake of showing my mom's mom, Grandmommy, the first few rows of her blanket back in April.  Grandmommy, who can rarely remember how many grandchildren she has, was still asking about her blanket in August.  I felt bad for giving up on it, so I decided to attempt it as a Christmas present.  She still doesn't know I picked it back up.

The other blanket, for my dad's mom, Gaga, has the same history.  These two blankets were really twins, since I worked on them simultaneously from beginning to end.  I would crochet one row in Grandmommy's blanket, then crochet one square for Gaga's.  It really kept me going because I was changing it up so often, I didn't get bored.  I finished Gaga's first, so that's the one I'm going to talk about first.

Gaga's blanket has a lacy design and was worked in squares and then assembled.  Gaga has these doilies that her sister (I think) crocheted on some of her end tables, so I thought this throw would go with the motif of her house.  Plus, it's such a neutral color, it can work in any room it's put in!

I think it turned out gorgeously. Gaga was really the reason I started crocheting in the first place, since I grew up watching her do it.  She has been so proud of my skills so far, and I'm so happy I can give back to her!  The best part is she has no clue I've made this for her, nor has she ever seen it.  I can't wait to see her face on Christmas day!

The yarn I used was Caron Simply Soft, color Off White.  I used a size I hook.  The finished dimensions are 5' x 3 1/2'.  As far as time goes:
40 minutes to make one square and attach it in a strip x 48 squares= 1920 minutes= 32 hours
Sewing together 6 strips of 8 squares + 2 rounds of edging + weaving in ends= Estimated 4 hours
TOTAL TIME= roughly 36 hours

I enjoyed creating this throw.  The pattern was easy to follow and I liked that each round was different because it kept it interesting.  This was my first time assembling pieces, so there were some continuity errors as far as the sewing went.  They were just rookie mistakes, like the stitches going different directions or I wouldn't leave myself enough yarn to sew with.  But nothing is very visible to the untrained eye, luckily.  Just some things to keep in mind for next time.

While Gaga's blanket was created for decoration, Grandmommy's was definitely made with a more practical use in mind.  She's at the age where she's cold all the time, so I made this blanket to match her couch so warmth can always be within arm's reach.

I love this pattern and I love this blanket!  Actually no, I'm lying right now.  This took A LOT of time to do and it was extremely repetitive, so I kind of hate this blanket right now, but given a little time, I know I'll love it again one day.  But I know my grandma will like it.  The texture is so thick.  It makes the blanket very warm.

I used a size J crochet hook and Red Heart Soft yarn, colors Wine, Rose Blush, and White.  This blanket is huge.  It measures 3 1/2' x 6 1/2', not including the fringe, and weighs 5.8 pounds!  Time wise:

Each stripe= 1 hour x 57 stripes= 57 hours

Weaving in edged and fringe= estimated 4 hours

TOTAL TIME: Roughly 61 hours

Now  you see why I'm sick of it.

If I had to change anything about this blanket, I wouldn't have made it as tall as it is.  I didn't begin it with Grandmommy's height in mind, and she is far shorter than I.  If I had taken off even six inches, I could have saved a lot of money in yarn.  But what's done is done, and it might be beneficial to the blanket in time, since my grandmother won't use it forever.  I know it'll be long enough to whoever it's handed down to.

One problem I ran into while making this was the stitches that sometimes "got stuck" on the stitch below it. Not a big deal, but it affected the uniformity of the piece. Luckily, it was an easy fix.

See how at the bottom of the white, the pink shows through the stitch?

By grasping the stitches as shown and pulling up on the top one and down on the bottom one...

Problem solved!

If I were going to make this blanket again, I would make the stripes go horizontally instead of vertically, just because I like horizontal stripes better.  I'm also not a big fan of fringe, so perhaps I'd add some edging instead.  I think it would be kind of cool to make the stripes different widths throughout, like roll a dice and do that many rows of one color, or something.  Completely random.  That would make it pretty funky.  But it's just an idea, and I will definitely not be using this pattern again anytime soon.  I'm so sick of it, haha!

The patterns for both blankets can be found in this book.  Gaga's pattern is called Lacy Squares and Grandmommy's is Mood Indigo.

As far as other projects go, I've put everything else on hold while I participate in National Novel Writing Month.  I can't fit write, work, and crochet into my schedule.  So it may be a little while before I update again.  :(

Pictures of my grandmothers opening their blankets will be posted after Christmas!  Which blanket to you like better?  Let me know in the comments!

Fun Fingerless Flowery Gloves

Due to several shortages of yarn at the Michael's by my house (I seriously need to find a Joanne's around here) and my recent discovery of ravelry.com, I decided to temporarily set aside my afghans and try a small project from one of the many patterns available online.

I’ve been making a lot of stuff for other people lately, so I made these fingerless gloves for myself. I’ve always wanted a pair of fingerless gloves and I think they are so cute!  Here is a picture that came with the pattern:

And here are some pictures of mine:

Before construction

Finished!  Don't mind the blurriness

I love the way these turned out. I’m so happy with my yarn choice. It has some light springy colors and some dark autumny ones.

This pattern has a lot of firsts for me. The first time I’ve worked with fingering yarn, my first “magic ring”… It’s been a great learning experience! The puff stitches were kind of a pain in the neck. They weren't really that hard to do, but with the thin yarn and the small hook, they just took a while to do correctly. I think they turned out great, though!

The only major problem I had with these gloves as the sizing.  The pattern provides two sizes, but even though I was using a hook that was a size bigger than recommended (I used an E, they suggest a D), my gloves were still too small.  I added extra rows to the top part, which solved the problem temporarily, but when I went to make the cuff, it was huge!  Apparently I have big hands and tiny wrists.  I fixed that problem by frogging the cuff and instead of sc all the way around, I did scdec, sc all around for the first row.  That made the cuff fit perfectly!  I repeated this change with the finishing on the top as well, so it hugs the base of my fingers instead of flapping around in the wind.  Sadly, even though I was trying to work in an even amount of stitches on the cuff, I actually worked in an odd number, so the seam is pretty apparent:

But I had already ripped it out once, and the seam is on the inside of the wrist, so I left it and made the other glove identical.  I think they look fine, but I'll keep this mistake in mind if I ever make them again.  Also, next time I'll add a few rows to the "inside" section of the top part, between the flowers and the thumb holes.  When I crocheted that originally, I was still following the pattern exactly, unaware that I needed the gloves even bigger than the pattern.  As a result, the flowers are ever so slightly off-center.  Not very noticeable unless you're a perfectionist like me, so it's fine for this pair, but I'll have to remember for next time.

All in all, the pattern (found here) cost me $5 and the fingering yarn (Loops and Threads Luxury Sock, color Balloons) cost me $5, so $10 total spent on this project.  Plus the cost of some darning needles to stitch the sides and weave in the edges, because the tapestry needles I already have were way too big for this thin yarn.  It only took me less than one skein of yarn to complete, and I bought two.  But the colors are so pretty, I'm sure I'll love to use the extras on the next project that uses fingering yarn.  It won't last long!

I worked on these for maybe three afternoons, total.  I love them.  They'll be a great addition to my winter wardrobe!

Working on:

Still the 2 afghans for my grandmothers.  Sooooo close to being done.  Once Michael's finally gets more yarn, it'll only be a matter of days until I'm finished.  Expect a post soon.

Still my cousin's baby blanket.  I'm about 60% done, but since the work was going so quickly, it's been set aside for a little while.  The baby's not due until January.  But I have been thinking about it a lot and I've come up with a great idea for an applique for it.  It'll be so cute!

Despicable Me minions.  They're using up some extra yarn for me.  I've only got one, and he's only halfway done, but he's cute so far!  They're nice to work on in between these big projects.

Thinking of:

Mittens and socks!  I have the patterns and the supplies for both.  I'm making the mittens to match my work uniform so I can wear them while we're outside waiting for the shuttle.  I don't think I'll be starting them anytime soon, though.  Too many blankets to think about!

First post and some Amigurumi

Woohoo!  New blog smell!

I've decided to try to document the things I crochet since it seems so many of them are finding new homes once I finish.  I want to record my thoughts and pictures of them for when I'm old and can't remember what I've done.  Also for my posterity.

Short backstory:  I'm 23.  I started crocheting about a year ago.  My grandmother has been crocheting most of her life, and when I moved to Baltimore I found some friends that crocheted, so I decided to learn too.  I picked up a book of instructions and some basic supplies, and the rest is history.

So we're going to start with something super quick that I made.  My best friend Nicole gave me a book with some Amigurumi patterns while we were on our cruise last month.  She didn't know this, but I'd been dying to try my hand at stuffed-animal making for a long time.  It was a very welcome gift.

So here's my first stab at crocheting a stuffed animal:

Aww, the widdle elephant!  My favorite animal and, conveniently, the first pattern in the book!  I made a couple small alterations from the pattern.  Firstly, I thought I wanted the legs to be a little floppy, so I considered adding little plastic beans in the feet to give the whole thing some weight.  Except I couldn't find little plastic beans at Michael's.  So I improvised and used unscented bath salts.  A stroke of brilliance or a crazy alternative?  I don't know.  But I'm not overly thrilled with the results, so I'm going to stick with stuffing from now on.

The second modification I made from the pattern was the eyes.  The pattern calls for safety eyes, which are fastened on securely and considered child-safe.  But Michael's, which apparently is becoming increasingly inept at being a craft store, didn't have those either.  So I bought these little black things that are supposed to look like buttons, but actually have little metal flaps that you bend in the back to fasten them to stuff.  They were in the scrapbooking section.  And since I wasn't planning on giving this little guy to any babies, they would have to do.

A few other notes about this project:  It took me about an afternoon to do it.  I am unhappy with the ears because there is one pattern for both, and two identical ears does not make for perfect symmetry when you have to turn one around.  Since they're both snail-shell-shaped, so one is perky and happy and the other is upside-down and droopy.  Lame.  Also, this was my first attempt at sewing on legs, so I sewed them on much skinner than I should have.  In the next project I made sure to stretch the legs more as I was sewing them.

Project number 2:

A little hippo buddy!  So I used the same eyes on this guy, and he took me about an afternoon as well.  I wasn't intending to use the bath salts on him, but after sewing on the first legs it was obvious he had a weight distribution problem, what with his huge head.  So I put the bath salts in the back legs only, so at least all four of his limbs are touching the ground.  Unfortunately, so is his nose.  I'll sew the legs closer together next time so the hippo stands a little taller!

Both patterns were from this book.  The elephant was made using Red Heart Super Saver Light Blue.  I don't know what the hippo was, because he was made with leftover yarn.  Sorry.

Working on:
2 afghans, one for each grandmother for Christmas.  I'm probably 85% done with both of them, and I expect to finish them in the next 2 weeks.  Once Michael's gets the color I need back in stock... I'm getting frustrated with them.

A baby blanket for my cousin Kelly's unborn son.  I just started yesterday, so I've got a ways to go, but it's coming along quickly, since it's not as big as a regular blanket.  It'll definitely be done before the holidays and long before her Jan 9th due date!

Thinking about:
Reworking the Avatar: The Last Airbender blanket I started months ago.  I put it on the shelf 1/4 of the way through because I didn't like it.  Now I think I'll unravel the whole thing and start from scratch.  That'll be a lot of yarn spaghetti to ball up and unkink...